Visa waivers (ESTAs) are fine during YC, but after 6-9 months it becomes necessary to have legal status to do things like fund raise (many investors only do loc

Visa waivers (ESTAs) are fine during YC, but after 6-9 months it becomes necessary to have legal status to do things like fund raise (many investors only do local), paying yourself, staying in the country for more than 6 months in a year etc. Obviously there is also the risk of the nightmare scenario that immigration dude has a bad day and doesn't allow you to enter the US. Whilst this is rare, I know of it happening. Most international YC companies end up moving to the US, and they sort out visa issues after demo day as it takes too much time during YC.